Rio Olympics Water Problems: Athletes, Tourists Warned About Pollution, Bacteria, Viruses

Olympic athletes and tourists heading to Rio de Janeiro are being told to keep their mouths shut and their heads above water. The results of a 16-month study conducted for the Associated Press released Monday found that Rio’s waterways are still full of human sewage with bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness.

The study showed “consistent and dangerously high levels of viruses from the pollution” that has worried athletes including sailors, rowers and swimmers who will take to the open waters.